Overview

The Ocean Sciences programme at the University of California, Santa Cruz offers an inclusive and innovative environment for students to pursue advanced research in marine disciplines. This Master of Science degree focuses on the complex interactions within marine environments, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the global scientific community.

Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates biological, chemical, and physical oceanography. The department fosters a supportive atmosphere where postgraduate researchers work alongside world-leading faculty to address critical environmental challenges. The programme is designed to develop technical proficiency and analytical skills through rigorous academic study and practical application.

Why Ocean Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university holds a prestigious global standing, recently ranked 13th in the world for Marine and Freshwater Biology by US News and World Report. Its idyllic location along the shores of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides an unparalleled natural laboratory for marine exploration and transformative research.

Students gain access to a vast network of more than 20 research partners and specialised facilities, including the Stable Isotope Laboratory and the Marine Analytical Laboratory. The faculty members are recognised leaders in their fields, frequently receiving honours from organisations such as the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15102 per year
National fee: USD 15102 per year
Local fee: USD 15924 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of marine subdisciplines, allowing students to specialise in areas of particular scientific interest. Modules may include:

Biological Oceanography
Chemical Oceanography
Geological Oceanography
Physical Oceanography
Aquatic Microbial Ecology
Ecological Modelling
Remote Sensing
Paleoceanography
Marine Biogeochemistry

Careers with Ocean Sciences

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional pathways within the marine and environmental sectors. The programme develops the expertise necessary for roles in research institutions, government agencies, and environmental consultancies. Focus areas include satellite oceanography, climatology, and coastal dynamics management.

The rigorous training in numeric modelling and data analysis ensures that alumni are competitive for positions involving environmental monitoring and resource management. Many graduates continue their academic development or secure specialist roles in marine plankton research and midwater ecology.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Physical Oceanography

Climate Dynamics

Biogeochemical Cycles

Predicting The Atmosphere, Ocean, And Climate

Marine Microbial Ecology

Chemical Oceanography

Aquatic Organic Geochemistry

Biological Oceanography

Dynamics Of Marine Ecosystems

Applied Environmental Time Series Analysis

Geophysical Fluid Dynamics

Marine Geology

Teaching In Ocean Sciences

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-08 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

42 SCH

Plan I (thesis, minimum 44 credits) or Plan II (coursework, minimum 42 credits)

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Oceanography View 41 other Masters in Oceanography in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Official transcripts

Supplemental Materials

Recommendations

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required, up to 5 may be submitted.

General test GRE scores are required

Résumé

Availability of suitable sponsor.

A Statement of Purpose. Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 2-4 pages.

A Personal History Statement is also required

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Out-of-State

15102 USD / year

≈ 15102 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15924 USD / year

≈ 15924 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Ocean Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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